Court martial proceedings against Sarath Fonseka adjourn

Court martial proceedings against Sri Lanka's former army chief Sarath Fonseka were adjourned today until April 19 after objections by his defence team, a military official said.

Fonseka, who has been in detention since February 8, appeared at the hearing at naval headquarters a day after parliamentary elections at which he was a candidate.

The court was hearing allegations that he oversaw corrupt military procurements, the military official said.

Fonseka also faces a separate court martial on allegations that he got involved in politics while in uniform.

The four-star general denies all charges, saying they are part of a political vendetta.

Fonseka, 59, who led the military to victory over the Tamil Tiger rebels last year, fell out with president Mahinda Rajapakse and unsuccessfully tried to unseat him in elections in January.

He was arrested 12 days after losing that vote.